John versus the Archon. Will a battle of tumultuous passions decide the winner?
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"Please forgive the lack of modern amenities," Calista said as she led John into her house. "Although even this is a luxury compared to what I made do with when I first came to Mygela."
John chuckled. "I've been traipsing through the wilderness for weeks now. Having any sort of roof over my head not made of trees blowing in the breeze is a luxury."
She smiled at him and gestured for one of the four simple chairs set up in her front room.
John took one and noted she was still smiling. "What strikes you as funny?"
"You speak like a Lord," she said. "A learned gentleman, at any rate."
"Do I?" John mused. "I can assure you, I've had little in the way of gentle for some time now. Tell me, what gave me away?"
"Traipsing," she said. "I expect most of the women here wouldn't even know what the word means, let alone would they try and use it."
John laughed. "I'm guilty then. I did warn you though, I am a scholar of sorts. I've been a tutor and an advisor in my life, among many other things. It is why your city and your people excite me so."
"Is that why we excite you?" Calista asked.
John saw the twinkle in her eye. He had no doubt her interest went beyond his random appearance on her island. "To be honest, there hasn't been a single thing since we've gotten here that hasn't made me want to know more. I know I'm on a probation, of sorts, but will I at least be able to see more of this place?"
"I took responsibility for you, John," Calista stated. "You will accompany me everywhere. I don't sit in the town hall all day, you know. I have a schedule where I travel throughout Mygela making sure everything and everyone is doing well. Every day starts with calisthenics and drills in the courtyard led by Bronetta, then I visit the shrine. From that point on each day differs. Tomorrow I'll visit the bakers and weavers, then break my fast and spend the afternoon in the town hall."
She waved her explanation away and said, "But affairs of state are of little interest to you, I'm sure!"
"Actually, I find your approach fascinating. Few rulers put themselves into the daily affairs of their people. It is... refreshing."
"I remember life before. I lived in a city much as you describe. City guard and the tax collector were the closest anyone saw to a person in a position of power, and more likely than not they deserved to be in a cell more than the people they arrested."
"Not much has changed, I'm afraid," John said. "Far to the south of here I did help bring about reform to a town though. A town called Dilly. A... friend of mine now rules there."
Calista noted his pause. "You hesitated, was she more than a friend?"
John smiled. "It was very complicated," he said. "She was a princess."
Calista held up her hand. "You're right, that sounds complicated. Things here are much simpler."
"Simple is good," John agreed.
"Speaking of simple, the morning bells will chime early and Bronetta won't go easy on the Archon or her guest."
John nodded. "To bed then? Where am I to sleep?"
Calista rose and beckoned him to follow her. She led him into the bedroom and lifted the top of one of her chests. She unbuckled her belt and stowed it in the chest before sliding her dress off her shoulder and then gathering it as she stepped out of it. She arranged it in a bundle and bent down to remove her sandals.
John stood still and watched her bend at the hips, rather than crouching down. She left the lamp on the wall unlit but John didn't need it to see her hips spread and her treasures peeking out at him from what she assumed would be shadows. He fought the urge to grin. He hadn't even used his magic yet and she was offering herself to him!
She looked back at him after removing her sandals and smiled. She stood and turned to face him. "John... you are my guest. You will share my way of living until I pass judgment. That includes my house, my food, my hospitality, and my bed."
"How very inclusive of you," John said. "My appreciation for Mygela increases with each new discovery."
Calista blushed. "I hope you don't find my forwardness unwelcome. We are an open and simple people here. The way we feel all people should be, but coming from other places I know we can seem a bit... aggressive."
"Not aggressive," John said. "Confident. And I find a confident woman very appealing."
"Appealing? Or attractive?"
"Yes," John said.
